Virginia Golfer Mar / Apr 2018 | Page 15

The Rules The Rules of Golf defines the teeing ground as a rectangular area two club-lengths in depth, the front and the sides of which are defined by the outside limit of two tee-markers. DIRECTION OF PLAY Golfers can tee the ball forward to any point within the teeing ground, even past the tee markers, as long as the tiniest sliver of the ball is touching the imaginary line. Another potential situation: What happens if the ball falls off the tee? The key is understanding whether the player had intent to make a stroke at the ball when it fell off the tee. If the ball falls off the tee in the process of addressing the ball, there is no penalty and the ball may be re-teed. A player is addressing the ball when they ground their club right in front or behind the ball. But if the ball falls off a tee when making a stroke, the stroke is counted, but there is no additional penalty. A stroke is made when the club has made forward movement with the player’s intention of striking or moving the ball. The same rule applies if a stroke was made at the ball but missed completely and the ball remained on the tee. The stroke would count, but there is no additional penalty and the ball must be played as it lies. Playing from the teeing ground is a mandatory part of completing each hole. Knowing what the teeing ground is, what is permitted, and how to resolve any rules situations that might happen will help you the next time you find yourself teeing it up. 4 More Green. Less Fee. A golfer’s dream. Unlimited play on our green and lush 6,400 yard Shenandoah Valley course nestled amid Virginia’s equally beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Package includes meals and lodging, greens fees and cart for 18 holes daily and extra round for cart fees only! For more details check out www.LurayCaverns.com or call (888) 443-6551. 3 Day / 2 Night Packages from $249 Per person, double occupancy, plus tax Amanda Braun is the VSGA’s Tournament Manager. vsga.org M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 18 | V I R G I N I A G O L F E R 13